Pitches wanted (Chicago news, politics, investigations) | $200 to $400 per article

COMPANY/PUBLICATION: CHICAGO READER

Deadline: 31 August 2024

Shawn Mulcahy, News Editor at Chicago Reader, is looking for writers:

I'm looking for pitches on the 2024 DNC! Pitches need a clear Chicago and community lens. What organizing is going on? What's the city/state doing behind the scenes? etc. Rates are generally $200-$400. I'm accepting pitches now through August at smulcahy@chicagoreader.com.

I'm not interested in mainstream political/economic stories. Pitches should be on topics and communities readers won't find elsewhere in local/national media. Open to news features, explainers, or investigations.

I'm also always accepting pitches on anything newsy in Chicago.

Strong pitches have clear, compelling narratives and are centered in the communities and experiences of the people most impacted. Pitch guidelines are here: https://chicagoreader.com/reader/freelance-information-pitch-guidelines/

CONTACT INFORMATION (please do not share the email address publicly):

• Questions/submissions: smulcahy@chicagoreader.com

• Website: https://www.chicagoreader.com

TO HELP YOU CRAFT YOUR PITCH:

• Learn more about the publication: The Chicago Reader is a media company creating and curating political and cultural coverage by and for Chicagoans, including highlighting underrepresented communities and stories. Every week, the Reader provides an essential guide to the city's most important cultural events. In addition to reviews and listings of dining, film, theater and the arts, the Reader is the leading voice of Chicago's vibrant music scene. More information here.

• Read through a selection of recent News and Politics stories/articles on its website.

• Review the submission guidelines here.

• Check out our collection of pitch excerpts on this page and find more sample pitches at The Open Notebook Database and at SuccessfulPitches.com.

• Do not forget to end your pitch with (1) a short introduction about yourself; (2) a few lines highlighting your writing experience, relevant credentials and publication credits; and (3) links to your strongest work or portfolio, and online profile.

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